Guernsey States sites going smoke-free

Dr Stephen Bridgman said support would be offered to those affected by the change

Smoking at Guernsey's health, social care and education facilities will be banned completely from 1 October.

Currently smoking on such sites is allowed in designated areas or shelters, which will be removed.

Patients due to be admitted to hospital will be offered help and support from the Quitline Stop Smoking Service.

Dr Stephen Bridgman, Medical Officer of Health, said: "It shows our commitment to the health and wellbeing of the people who visit and use our premises."

He said: "However, I am also aware that this represents a significant change for staff who work on these sites as well as visitors and service users.

"It is for this reason that we are providing plenty of warning of these changes and support for those people who may be affected."

Guernsey and smoking

• 2006 - Guernsey became the first place in the British Isles to introduce a smoking ban for enclosed public spaces

• 2010 - Alderney bans smoking in public places

• 2011 - Smoking banned at Guernsey's hospitals, except in existing smoking shelters

• 2011 - Prison visitors are banned from smoking inside the building

• 2012 - Graphic picture warnings have to be shown on tobacco products

• 2013 - Guernsey Prison goes smoke-free

• 2015 - Ban on tobacco vending machines and the display of tobacco for sale